Monday Briefing

Posted: Monday, September 27, 1999

Hyde and seek

U.S. Rep. Henry Hyde, R-Ill., chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, could provide the impetus for a congressional compromise on gun control. Congressional officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said this past Tuesday Hyde is proposing legislation that would provide background checks at gun shows.

According to the bill, most purchases could be approved or disapproved within 24 hours. The proposal would also ban the import of certain large-capacity clips and institute a lifetime handgun purchasing ban on anyone convicted of a gun-related felony as a juvenile.

With the backing of GOP leaders like Hyde, this proposal could provide the legislation needed to close the federal loophole of unrestricted handgun purchases at gun shows.

The proposal certainly has the bipartisan aura required.

Texas branches out

Texas has responded to the needs of Oklahoma tornado victims in various ways since the massive storm ripped through central Oklahoma May 3. Numerous volunteer agencies helped in the cleanup and countless organizations donated much-needed supplies.

The Lone Star State is still pitching in - this time in a unique way.

The Texas Agricultural Cooperative Extension Service, along with Oklahoma State University, recently donated 300 trees to the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. The trees will be given to tornado victims rebuilding their communities and homes in the wake of the tornado, which destroyed the landscape in addition to houses and buildings. In addition, workshops will be held in local areas to instruct residents on how to plant and care for the trees.

The loss of trees may seem insignificant in comparison to the tragedy of life and death, but this is just another example of people responding to the needs of others - a fact Texas recognizes.

High and mighty

Educators and administrators at Highland Park High School have created an opportunity for students that hopefully will catch on at schools throughout the Panhandle.

Following a recommendation by HPISD Superintendent Jerry Wright, organizers have created an endowed college scholarship fund for HPISD students with more than $7,000 in donations in about a five-month span. Donations have come from school administrators, employees, portions of advertising revenue from a local newspaper and individuals living in the HPISD.

One of the goals of the fund is to make it self-perpetuating.

Wright and HPISD officials deserve credit for the ingenuity that created the fund and the commitment to make it a reality.

Contributors deserve credit for displaying a dedication to students and for providing the opportunity for a higher education.